When to Start Vitamins?

I asked this question to my pediatrician. He said that babies who are given formula don't need to take any vitamins because they are in the formula. Breastfed babies and babies older than 1 year old on whole milk need to take Poly-Vi-Sol by Enfamil (or an off-brand). The breastfed babies take it for the vitamin D.

Hi K., I know you've had a lot of thoughtful responses. I thought I'd share my experience as well. My pediatrician never recommended vitamins, but suggested that nutrition should come from foods. My children eat very well, but I was always worried about whether or not I should be giving them anything in addition to their regular diet. I agree with the other entries about artifical ingredients and dyes in most over-the-counter childrens vitamins. Also, because multi-vitamins are isolated, synthetic vitamins, often times our bodies don't really know how to use them because they aren't packaged with all of the natural nutrients they would be with in a real piece of food. My family started taking a whole food nutrition product, called Juice Plus, about 2 years ago. There is excellent research on the product proving that it is bioavailable (the body absorbs it) and on the tremendous health benefits that it provides. It is made from 17 fruits and vegetables - real, fresh, raw fruits and veggies! It is truly incredible. My boys eat the gummies and/or chewables. My husband and I take the capsules. It has been fabulous for our family and I feel like I need to tell everyone I know about it! :) If you would like more information, contact me and I'll share some literature with you (or info for your doctor). You can also look at www.HamreHealth.com to review the research and hear what doctors are saying about Juice Plus. Good luck! It's hard making a decision about our children's health, but good for you for looking at all of your options and seeking out information!
Take care,
Krystal

I am one of those that try to have my kids get all the vitamins they need from food instead of a pill. However, I know I am in the minority, so research your vitamin. I agree with the other posts, if I were to give vitamins they would be all natural. the flinstones and scooby doos, etc, all have lots of sugar, corn syrups and artifical colorings that will cause behavior and health problems in the long run.

K., children should start taking vitamins as early as 6 months. But, I want to plead with you that you do give your kids Flinstones vitamins. I grew up on them and gave them to my oldest until I was introduced to Shaklee. I found out that the Flinstones vitamins have many non organic fillers in them such as tar, plastics, and coal. Vitamins are not FDA approved so makers can put whatever they would like in them and on the label. You do not want to put those fillers in your child's body. Shaklee is a company that has been around for over 50 years and spends millions of dollars on science and research. They offer safe, natural products that you can trust. Shaklee has Infant mix for ages 6 months to 12 months. It can be mixed with juice, water, or food. They also have a Children's version for ages 4-12. My 10 year old took them and I have a 3 year old that is currently taking them. My older one has moved up to the adult version already since he does not have a problem with swallowing pills. I believe that kids are too picky as eaters and do not get all of the nutrients that they should daily, so a supplement is very important. Please visit my website to find out more or email me with any questions. If you don't choose Shaklee, please make sure to do some research on whomever you choose. Have a blessed day!
http://www.shaklee.net/portales/prodNutChild ____@____.com

We have been giving my daughter the Target brand of Poly-Vi-Sol vitamins since she was about 6 months old. We are still giving them to her (currently 18 months), and plan on switching when she is two years of age. Good luck!

Hi There,

I would start your daughter on 1mL of Polyvisol (made by Enfamil, liquid vitamin) and then when you think she can take a chewable, do 1/2 everyday. Just a regular multivitamin is good to cover everyone, especially children that might gravitate to the same foods...they could be missing some key nutrients. The multivitamin will help cover. Be sure to look at the label and follow what it says for her age.

I hope that helps!
A.

My recommendation would be to call your pediatrician's office to ask when they recommend that children start taking vitamins. I agree with the previous poster, please carefully research the vitamins you choose to give your child. Many do have artificial fillers. Research has proven that most vitamins (including children's vitamins) have a very low absorption rate (less than 10%). I have chosen to give my boys Vita-Bears which has an absorption rate of 95%+. Best of all, none of my boys (I have 3 under the age of 4) have had to go to the doctor for sickness since they started taking these vitamins a year ago. Go figure! Let me know if you'd like more info. :)

Hi K.,
I have learned that 2 is usually the best time to start. A great choice over Flintstones is Arbonne. it's a natural powder that includes not only multi vitamin but also superfood antioxidants.
Flintstones has fillers and dyes. The Arbonne vitamin is naturally good and kids love it!!! you can mix with water, juice, milk or even make popsicles :)
if you'd like a free sample let me know.
thanks and good luck!!
J.

I think we started giving our son vitamins around 1 or so. I talked to his pediatrician and he said something like Flintstone's is fine. He's been using them for 2 years and no health problems. We gave 1/2 a tablet at first, then around 2 moved to a full tablet. Now he's taking the Scooby Doo gummies, he likes the gummies! He's 4, so he gets 2 of those. In my opinion, you can spend a lot on vitamins and not really get anything more than on the cheaper versions. We try to eat healthy foods, so the vitamin is a supplement, not all of his nutrition, therefore I don't see the need to spend a lot.